Hello, world! This blog began on September 28, 2007, and so far nobody has come looking for me with tar and feathers.
On my honor, I will do my best not to bore you. All comments are welcome as long as your discourse is civil and your language is not blue.

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And whether my cup is half full or half empty, fill my cup, Lord.

Copyright 2007 - 2017 by Robert H.Brague

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

So I said to her, “Mamie,” I said,...

In the photo above, which is in the public domain, are six First Ladies of the United States at the same table. From left to right, they are Nancy Reagan, Lady Bird Johnson, Hillary Clinton, Rosalynn Carter, Betty Ford, and Barbara Bush. The photo was taken on May 11, 1994, at an event called the National Garden Gala, A Tribute to America’s First Ladies.

What I would like you to do is contribute what you think different ones of them might be thinking or saying based on their positions, posture, and facial expressions.

For example, Nancy Reagan might be thinking, “I could use a Margarita,” Rosalynn Carter might be thinking, “What a hideous blouse,” and Lady Bird Johnson might be thinking, “Hasn't she ever heard of mouthwash?”

6 comments:

I love to observe body lauguage. Here is my dissection of the photo: Nancy Reagan hates being there,(unless she was the sole center of attention) and is bored and facing away from the others and doesn't care if everyone knows she hates being there.Hillary has cornered Lady Bird who wishes she was elsewhere but is too much of a lady to be rude. The way her head is facing,Lady Bird is appealing to Barbara Bush to rescue but Barbara is enjoying Lady Birds predicament. Rosalyn Carter probably wishes she could fade into the wallpaper definitely off by herself, trying to make eye contact with Barbara Bush. Mrs. Bush appears to be in the power position, her hand on the table and seated very comfortably, she looks the most at ease.She is tolerating Betty Fords conversation. Of course this could be a load of rubbish but fun, ain't it !

Nancy: 'What am I doing here?'Lady Bird: 'What is she doing here?'Hillary: "Did you know about Bill and his love of cigars?"Rosalynn: 'Oh I hope Betty won't tell Babs I stayed at the clinic.'Betty: "Did you know Rosalynn stayed at the clinic?"Barbara: 'I always suspected something. She looks far to happy to be sober.'

As my last contribution was censored by the thought police, let's try this...HILLARY CLINTON I know ladies, let's all sing a song.BARBARA BUSH What do you recommend honey?ROSALYNN CARTER How about "The Star Spangled Banner"?BETTY FORD Yes. Let's all rise and sing it out loud and clear!FIRST LADIES IN UNISONOh, say can you see by the dawn's early lightWhat so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

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About me

has lived on earth for 76 years and has been married for 54 of those years to Ellie, his wife. They have two sons, one daughter, the appropriate assortment of in-laws, and six absolutely magnificent grandchildren. He enjoys reading, playing the piano, driving in the country, sitting by the ocean, watching birds fly, gazing into a roaring fire, holding his wife's hand, and spending time with his grandchildren. He doesn't fancy doing yard work, walking a dog who definitely is not in the mood, or cleaning up after one who is (RIP Jethro, 2004-2013).

Me, circa 2010 (with Mrs. RWP)

A reader in Oregon has requested a current photograph. For the thick of skull, I want to say that I am not exceedingly tall nor is Mrs. RWP exceedingly short. She is sitting in a chair; I am standing behind her and slightly to her right, your left. I am nothing if not thorough. Handsome and thorough. Exceedingly intelligent, very handsome, and thorough. I forgot humble.

Me, circa 1943

A few months before this photograph was taken, I fell through a hole in a chain link fence in New York City and landed on my head on a school’s cement playground that was six feet below sidewalk level. I had a brain concussion. Some people think this helps explain why I am the way I am today. Other people insist nothing can explain why I am the way I am today.

Poem by a Yorkshire Lad

Song for Lost Youth

Perhaps I should have cradled it
Like a dove
Kept it safe with tender love
But I squandered it -
Gushing-blundering-raging
Like a wild mountain stream
Desperate for an ocean
That was but a distant dream.
...I just never thought
That I could have loitered in the shallows
Reflecting the blueness of the sky
- Concealing silver fishes
- Quietly biding my time
- Stretching it out.
And so, and so it's gone now
- My ephemeral youth
- That precious once only gift
- That honeyed sweetness,
Leaving only the trembling resonance
Of distant echoes
From half-remembered hills.